Hair is a significant part of our identity, and losing it can be a stressful experience, especially for women. Unlike men, female hair loss is less talked about, but it’s a common issue that many women face. There are many causes of hair loss, but one factor that’s often overlooked is stress. Stress can have a very huge impact on your hair’s health, causing more hair to fall out and affecting its ability to grow back. In this blog, we’ll explore how stress contributes to female hair loss and what you can do to combat it, all based on advice from dermatologists.
The Natural Hair Growth Cycle
Before understanding how stress impacts hair loss, it’s important to know how the natural hair cycle works. Human hair grows in cycles. There are three main phases:
Anagen phase (Growth phase): This is the active phase where hair grows from the root. About 85-90% of your hair is in this phase at any given time, and it lasts between 2-7 years. The length of this step determines how long your hair can grow.
Catagen phase (Transition phase): This is a short transitional phase that lasts about 2-3 weeks. During this time, hair stops growing, and the hair follicle shrinks.
Telogen phase (Resting phase): In this phase, hair is not growing but is still attached to the scalp. About 10-15% of your hair is in this phase. After this phase, hair falls out, and new hair starts to grow from the follicle, beginning the anagen phase again.
Under normal conditions, we shed around 50-100 hairs a day. This is a healthy part of the hair cycle. However, when the body undergoes stress, this cycle is disrupted, and more hair enters the resting phase (telogen) too soon, leading to noticeable hair loss.
Stress and Hair Loss: Understanding Telogen Effluvium
One of the most common types of hair loss linked to stress is called telogen effluvium. This happens when stress triggers a higher percentage of hair to enter the telogen phase prematurely, resulting in excessive shedding.
Telogen effluvium is usually noticeable about two to three months after a major stressful event. This delay is why some women don’t immediately associate their hair loss with a stressful incident. For example, if you experienced a difficult life change, such as a job loss, illness, or a significant emotional event, you might notice hair loss several weeks later, and this can be worrying.
A dermatologist specializing in female hair loss will often identify telogen effluvium by looking at your recent history. They will ask about any stressful situations or events that occurred in the months before the hair loss began.
The good news is that telogen effluvium is typically temporary. Once the stress is resolved or managed, hair can return to its natural growth cycle, and most women see their hair grow back over time.
Types of Stress That Contribute to Hair Loss
There are various forms of stress, and each can affect the body in different ways. For hair loss, dermatologists often refer to three main types of stress that contribute to hair thinning or shedding:
Emotional Stress: Emotional stress like anxiety, depression, or grief, can have a profound effect on your hair. When you’re mentally or emotionally drained, your body enters survival mode, and non-essential functions, like hair growth, slow down or stop altogether.
Physical Stress: The body also experiences stress in physical ways. Major surgeries, injuries, illnesses, or even childbirth can cause physical stress. This type of stress takes a toll on your body’s resources, and hair growth is often one of the first things affected. Women who experience a severe illness or a significant medical event, like surgery, often experience hair loss in the months following the event.
Nutritional Stress: If your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs, it can also affect your hair’s health. For instance, crash diets, poor eating habits, or vitamin deficiencies can trigger hair loss. Nutritional stress can be subtle but impactful, especially if you’re not aware that your diet is contributing to hair loss.
In many cases, stress-related hair loss isn’t permanent. However, it’s essential to address the root causes of stress and take care of your overall well-being so the issue doesn’t persist.
How Can You Manage Stress-Related Hair Loss?
If you’ve noticed that stress is causing your hair to fall out, don’t panic. Dermatologists offer plenty of solutions that can help reverse the problem. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Reduce Stress: Managing stress is the first step in stopping hair loss. This can be done in many ways, including exercise, meditation, or engaging in activities that relax you, like reading or taking a walk. Talking to a therapist can also help if emotional stress is a significant factor. Controlling stress can help your body restore its normal functions, including healthy hair growth.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a crucial role in keeping your hair healthy. If your hair is thinning, it may be due to a lack of essential nutrients. Eating a balanced diet that’s rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals can help strengthen your hair. Dermatologists often recommend taking supplements, such as biotin, zinc, or iron, to boost hair growth. Always consult a medical dermatologist before starting any new supplements.
Avoid Over-Styling: Excessive heat, harsh chemicals, or tight hairstyles can further damage your hair. It’s necessary to give your hair a break and treat it with care. Use gentle shampoos and conditioners, and avoid frequent use of hot styling tools. This will allow your hair to recover and regrow without added stress.
Consult a Dermatologist: If you’re concerned about your hair loss, seeing a dermatologist is one of the best things you can do. A dermatologist who specializes in female hair loss can perform tests to determine the exact cause of your hair loss. They can also provide medical treatments, such as topical medications (like minoxidil) or more advanced therapies, like laser treatments, to encourage hair regrowth.
Will the Hair Grow Back?
A common question that many women have is whether their hair will grow back after stress-related hair loss. The answer is generally yes. Since telogen effluvium is temporary, once the underlying stress is managed, hair typically grows back on its own. However, it’s important to note that it may take several months before you start seeing noticeable regrowth.
During this time, it’s essential to be patient and continue taking care of your hair and overall health. Regularly consulting a medical dermatologist can also help monitor your progress and provide additional treatments if necessary.
Additional Factors to Consider
While stress is a significant factor in hair loss, there are other factors to consider that might be contributing to the issue. For example, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions like thyroid problems can also cause hair thinning in women. This is why it’s essential to have a thorough check-up with a medical dermatologist who can rule out other potential causes of hair loss and give you a personalized treatment plan.
Conclusion: Seek Help from Professionals
Hair loss can be distressing, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether the cause is stress, nutrition, or an underlying medical condition, there are solutions available. Dermatologists specializing in female hair loss can provide expert advice and treatments to help you regain control over your hair health.
At Dana Point Dermatology, we offer personalized care for women experiencing stress-related hair loss. Our experienced team, led by board-certified dermatologists, is here to guide you through your hair loss journey, offering tailored solutions that work best for your needs. Don’t let stress take control—schedule a consultation with us today to get started on the path to healthier, fuller hair.
